(Assistant) HR Manager

HR Business Partnering (70%)

· Serve as the primary HR point of contact for Retail Operations (all stores in Japan)

· Partner with Retail Head and Store Managers to understand business objectives and provide proactive HR solutions

· Lead workforce planning and attrition analysis; prepare headcount budgets, forecast hiring needs, and propose retention initiatives to manage turnover while optimizing cost efficiency

· Drive employee engagement initiatives, succession planning, and talent development programs for frontline and mid-level talent

· Lead performance management processes (goal setting, year-end reviews & calibration sessions)

· Manage employee relations cases including disciplinary actions, grievances, performance improvement plans, and exit management

· Support organizational design, change management, and restructuring initiatives as required

· Ensure local compliance with Japanese labor laws and Burberry global policies

· Support annual compensation & benefits review cycles and promotion processes

Frontline Recruitment (30%)

· Full ownership of recruitment for all store positions

· Partner with Retail Operations to create workforce planning and hiring forecasts

· Direct sourcing from recruitment platform and partnering with the external agencies

· Conduct interviews, manage assessment centers, and coordinate final selection with hiring managers

· Build and maintain a strong talent pipeline for critical frontline roles

· Manage offer process, background checks, and smooth onboarding experience

· Continuously improve candidate experience and employer branding for store roles

Qualifications & Requirements :

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

· Minimum 5–7 years of HR generalist or HRBP experience, ideally within luxury, fashion, premium retail, or hospitality

· Proven track record in both strategic HR business partnering and high-volume frontline recruitment

· Strong knowledge of Japanese labor law and local HR practices

· Native-level Japanese and business-level English (both written and spoken)

· Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels

· Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills

· High energy, hands-on attitude, and ability to work in a fast-paced retail environment

· Willingness to travel domestically to stores when required

· Proficiency in MS Office; experience with any Applicant Tracking Systems is a plus